Commenting on the approval of the 2 Sisters Food Group’s takeover of the Vion UK Poultry business, Maureen said:

“I am delighted that the Office of Fair Trading has approved this takeover.

“This news will be warmly welcomed by the 280 staff at McIntosh Donald in Portlethen, who will no doubt feel a sense of relief following months of uncertainty.

“The plant is a major employer in the area and I am pleased that will continue to play an important role in the local community.

“I have regularly been in contact with McIntosh Donald over the past year and I am sure this news will be welcomed by all those associated with the plant.”

Jobs · maureen · mcintosh donald · Portlethen · snp · watt

SNP MSP Maureen Watt has joined the First Minster to visit the recently installed 3G pitch at the Banks O’Dee Sports Centre.

The Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP watched a bounce match involving players a local boy’s side as the Scottish Government formally launched its ‘Cashback for Pitches’ fund.

The initiative will use money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act to help install a Scotland-wide network of synthetic grass pitches – particularly in areas which experience problems with anti-social behaviour.

Banks O’Dee’s Spain Park benefitted from an earlier Cashback funding round.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

“I was delighted to get the opportunity to visit Spain Park and see first-hand the fantastic 3G pitches which local youngsters now have the opportunity to take advantage of.

“3G pitches are far less susceptible to ill weather and, as a result, I am informed that ever increasing numbers of youth groups, clubs, and schools are taking advantage of them as games are less likely to be called off.

“Cashback for Communities has long been success story for this Scottish Government, recovering the ill-gotten gains of criminals and putting them to good use in the communities which they exploited.”

Aberdeen · alex · first minister · maureen · salmond · watt

SNP MSP Maureen Watt has submitted a Parliamentary motion celebrating Cove Rangers Highland League title success.

The Allan Park outfit secured their third championship in six seasons with a 2-0 win over title rivals Formartine United at North Lodge Park.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate Cove Rangers’ latest achievement in the Scottish Parliament.

“To win three titles in six years is an extraordinary feat and is testament to both the talent and determination to succeed at the club.”

Ms Watt added:

“Cove Rangers play a vital role in the local community and I feel that it is only right that they should receive formal recognition for their achievements.

“Supporters have had much to cheer about recently and I hope that next season will bring further success on the pitch.”

Motion Number: S4M-06646
Lodged By: Maureen Watt

Title: Congratulations to Cove Rangers

Motion Text:

That the Parliament congratulates Cove Rangers on winning the Highland League title, following a 2-0 away victory over rivals Formartine United at North Lodge Park; acknowledges that this is Cove Rangers’ third championship win in six years; commends the club manager, Kevin Tindal, on his success in guiding the Allan Park side to the title, and wishes the team every success in the coming seasons.

cove · coverangers · maureen · maureen watt · motion · rangers · snp · watt

SNP MSP Maureen Watt has hailed an announcement which will see recycling bins installed at 19 rail stations across the country this week – and called for the scheme to be extended to Portlethen.

The ScotRail initiative – which is being trialled at stations including Aberdeen and Stonehaven – encourages visitors to use colour-coded bins for items such as plastic bottles, paper and tin cans.

It is part of Zero Waste Scotland’s ‘Recycle on the Go’ scheme.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

“I warmly welcome this initiative and I am confident that it will encourage people to not only recycle their waste, but also take greater pride in our rail stations.

“ScotRail already works in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful to maintain our stations and the addition of recycling bins will only serve to enhance the good work being done to keep them clean.”

Ms Watt added:

“If this trial is deemed a success I would like to see the initiative rolled out at Portlethen Station, which has seen a significant rise in passenger numbers over the past year.

“With ever increasing numbers of people benefitting from the extra stops which I worked hard to secure last year it is imperative that the station is attractive and meets their needs.”

Aberdeen · maureen watt · msp · Portlethen · rail · recycling · train · zero waste

SNP MSP Maureen Watt has today called on the UK Government to reverse border restrictions which are hampering Aberdeen’s Further Education establishments. 

A joint-letter received by Ms Watt from the Principals of the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University (RGU) and Aberdeen College, has highlighted that, as a result of new UK Border Agency immigration rules, postgraduate international student numbers decreased by over 25% at RGU between 2010/11 and 2012/13.

Moreover, current UKBA minimum course specifications conflict with those provided by Aberdeen College in partnership with the Oil and Gas sector, potentially preventing Oil and Gas training providers from bidding for contracts, and therefore operating successfully.

Certainly, this is an issue which has implications for both the education sector and the local economy.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

 “It is clear that the UK Government’s misguided immigration measures are drastically impacting our education providers in Aberdeen.

 “Not only are they seeing a drastic cut in student numbers, but in the example of Aberdeen College, they are also being prevented from working in partnership with the Oil and Gas sector to export our world class expertise and training to nations across the globe. 

 “Undoubtedly, the potential financial impact of this upon both the College, and Oil and Gas training providers, is extremely worrying and entirely unnecessary.

 Ms Watt added:

 “This once again emphasises that the policies of the UK Government do not reflect the needs of Aberdeen and the North East, and I will be writing directly to Mark Harper, as the UK’s immigration minister, calling on him to ensure that sensible changes are made.”

  -Ends-

Aberdeen · maureen · msp · ukba · watt

Maureen visited Children’s Hospice Association Scotland’s (CHAS) exhibition stand in the Scottish Parliament recently when she took time out to show support for the charity in its 21^st year.

She spoke to CHAS staff and heard about the provision of the only children’s hospice services for children, young people and their families, throughout Scotland.

Maureen said, “I am always delighted to support CHAS.

“The compassionate work which the charity has done over the last 21 years to enrich the lives of young people with life-shortening illness is admirable.

“However, it is important to note that the vast majority of funding is sourced from donations, and that the services which CHAS provide cost over £8million per year.

“Therefore, I would encourage people across Aberdeen City and Shire to show their support for CHAS by either taking part in a fundraising event or simply making a donation and helping the charity to provide continued and vital hospice services.”

Maria McGill, CHAS Chief Executive said,

“Engaging MSPs in our work has never been as important as in this, our 21^st year. Every region in Scotland has families who have used CHAS services, so we are speaking to MSPs and personally inviting them to visit the two CHAS hospices. We know from experience that this enables MSPs to gain a greater understanding of our work, which ultimately benefits families living in their constituencies who care for a child with a life-shortening condition.”

If you would like to support CHAS please contact the Aberdeen fundraising office on 01224 645 000 or go to www.chas.org.uk

CHAS · hospice · mauree · watt

SNP MSP Maureen Watt is urging people across Aberdeen City and Shire to turn purple for 24 hours.

‘Purple Day’ (Tuesday the 26^th of March, 2013) is the international day for epilepsy awareness and Maureen is encouraging as many people as possible to do their bit by donning something purple.

It is estimated that around 54,000 people living in Scotland are affected by the neurological disorder.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

“I’m delighted to be supporting Epilepsy Scotland’s ‘Purple Day’.

“It is a fantastic initiative which encourages people to engage with a serious subject matter in a light-hearted fashion.

“In previous years, many people have asked me why I am wearing a Purple ribbon. This has always given me the perfect opportunity to tell them about ‘Purple Day’ and raise the subject of epilepsy.

Ms Watt added:

“A common problem faced by many of those who live with Epilepsy is the unfortunate stigma and fear which continues to surround the disorder. In fact, public opinion shows that one in four Scots know nothing about the long term condition.

“One of the best ways to get around this is to get people talking about epilepsy and ‘Purple Day’ provides the perfect platform to start that dialogue.”

Aberdeen · Epilepsy · maureen · Purple Day · snp · watt

SNP MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, Maureen Watt, is lending her support to WWF’s Earth Hour on Saturday the 23^rd of March.

Iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House have switched off their lights in previous years to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on people and wildlife.

Maureen is urging individuals, local businesses and organisations to flick the off -switch for an hour and help send a powerful global message.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

 “This is a fantastic opportunity for locals to join with the rest of Scotland, and the world, by turning off their power.

“I encourage as many people as possible to participate in Earth Hour as it is an excellent way for residents in Aberdeen City and Shire to save energy and help fight climate change.

Ms Watt added:

“The Scottish Government is committed to tackling the effects of climate change and helping people reduce their impact on the planet.

 “Only a few weeks ago the First Minister was in Aberdeen to announce Scotland’s ambition to cut carbon emissions from electricity generation by more than four fifths by 2030.

“This is just the latest example of the continued  commitment which sees Scotland globally recognised as being at the forefront of efforts tackle climate change. “

No tags

SNP MSP Maureen Watt is urging people across Aberdeen City and Shire to buy more fish. 

The Aberdeen South and North Kincardine Member’s calls come after the Chief Executive of the Peterhead Port Authority, Mr John Wallace, raised serious concerns over the recent fall in prices at the Peterhead quayside for white fish mainly cod and haddock.

In his letter to members of the North East Scotland Fisheries Development Partnership, which Ms Watt attends, Mr Wallace warned that increasing numbers of fish are being left unsold and even withdrawn due to low prices.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

“John Wallace’s warning is a stark reminder of how important it is to support the Scottish fishing industry and fishermen who risk their lives in harsh waters.

“Whilst it is vital that we continue to encourage major retailers such as supermarkets and restaurants to stock up on, and pay a fair price for locally landed fish, individuals can also make an enormous difference by purchasing fresh fish, particularly where they have a local fishmonger.

“Aberdeen has a rich fishing heritage and the industry continues to play a prominent role in places such as Torry, where the industry employs hundreds of workers in local factories and offices supplying fish to outlets throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.

Ms Watt added:

“Moreover, at a time where serious concerns are being raised over the quality of the meat in processed foods , buying fresh, locally sourced, Scottish fish is a sure fire way of knowing exactly what is on your plate.

“Ultimately, I would encourage people across Aberdeen City and Shire to support the Scottish fishing industry and buy local!”

Aberdeen · Aberdeenshire · fish · maureen · snp · Torry · watt

SNP MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, Maureen Watt, is encouraging smokers to stub out for good and exchange their ‘fags for swag’ on No Smoking Day.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) initiative, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has helped millions of smokers to give up. Figures show that people who smoke 20 cigarettes per day could save over £50 per week by quitting.

Commenting Ms Watt said:

“I’m delighted to once again lend my support to ‘No Smoking Day’.

“Whilst great strides have been taken in recent years to help people quit, a quarter of Scots still smoke – although most say they want to stub out for good.

“Clearly, the biggest incentive to give up is the detrimental impact which smoking has on health – increasing the likelihood of diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

“However, there is also a massive financial incentive. Even for someone who smokes just five cigarettes per day the savings can be around £680 per year – the equivalent of a family holiday.”

Ms Watt added:

“Quitting can be difficult, but there is a lot of support available across Aberdeen City and Shire and working out what you can buy is a great motivator.

“I’d encourage smokers to give it a go and join thousands of others in trying to quit on the day.”

Aberdeen · Aberdeenshire · no smoking day · Smoking